Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha says he was delighted to have made his debut for Bafana Bafana in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda.

South Africa came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Uganda with Lyle Foster and Mbatha finding the back of the net at the Orlando Stadium.

The 24-year-old was introduced in the 81st minute when he replaced Yaya Sithole, with the midfielder finding the net in stoppage time to earn Bafana a point in their Group K qualifier.

Mbatha will be relishing the chance to continue his form for the national team when they take on South Sudan in their next qualifying match at the Juda Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

“At first I was kinda nervous but I had told myself that I must try by all means to play my game and be myself,” Mbatha told his club’s official website.

“As the coach said that we are in the team because we deserve it from our performances in the league, and we should work harder now that we are there.

“I want to thank God Almighty, because if it wasn’t for him I wasn’t gonna get the opportunity and I’m really proud and happy for myself and hope that more are coming.”